Civil war: What did McDowell do in the first battle of bull run?
Q. it says on grolier online- "On July 21, McDowell attacked the Confederate army, whose front was protected by Bull Run. The Federal commander made a feint along the pike at the stone bridge. His main blow was a wide sweep to the north of the pike. McDowell crossed Bull Run at Sudley Springs and turned Beauregard's left flank. The battle took place on ground north of the turnpike occupied by Beauregard's left. The Federal assault at first succeeded. The Confederates gave ground and even showed signs of incipient demoralization. But the brigade commanded by Gen. Thomas Jonathan Jackson stood fast and won for its commander the nickname "Stonewall," by which he has ever since been known. In the afternoon the tide turned when Beauregard was able… [cont.]
Asked by L Y - Tue Mar 24 22:09:15 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. McDowell was commander of the Union army, and had been ordered by Lincoln to attack the Confederates at Bull Run, despite his misgivings about the inexperience of his troops.Many Congressmen, socialites,and reporters made the short trip from Washington to watch what many believed would be the only battle of the war. Unaware that the Confederates were being reinforced by rail from the Shenandoah Valley,McDowell sent his main force on a flank march and fell upon the Confederate left.Despite initial success, the attack was eventually halted by the stubborn defence of Thomas Jackson's regiment, thus earning him the nickname of 'Stonewall' Jackson. Once the Confederate reinforcements had arrived in sufficient numbers, the Confederate… [cont.]
Answered by ammianus - Wed Mar 25 00:36:33 2009